North Gaston rolls on BC, wins first opener in six years

BESSEMER CITY – North Gaston won its first opener in six years with a 42-6 victory over Bessemer City Friday at Jack Dixon Stadium.

The Wildcats (1-0), winners of just four games since appearing in the 2007 state championship, enjoyed the fruits of their offseason labor and got off to a positive start to the 2013 season.

“For our guys to play as well as they did and keep their composure and finish the game, that’s something these guys haven’t experienced,” said Wildcats’ coach Mike Patton. “I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. They’re happy with this win but they’re not satisfied. They’ve worked harder in the offseason then any group I’ve been around. I’m proud of them.”

North Gaston’s triple-option offense led by senior quarterback Nick Haskin accounted for 400 yards rushing on 40 attempts, accumulated 19 first downs and found the end zone in every quarter.

Haskin rushed for 113 yards on 16 carries and scored on runs of five and 15 yards. He also completed two passes for 37 yards, both to Alex Patton.

Senior fullback Josh Kahlig pounded the Yellow Jacket defense for 166 yards as he crossed the goal line twice on plays of one and 18 yards.

Ra'Quan Brown, a senior wingback, added 71 yards with a touchdown while sophomore fullback Prince Fox came off the bench in the fourth quarter and scored on a 42-yard run.

“It looked like (Nick) did a good job with his reads,” Patton said. “They gave us some looks that we hadn’t seen being the first game and everything and he handled it very well. Nick is doing a great job leading this team.”

Bessemer City (0-1) couldn’t stop the Wildcats’ option and didn’t get much offense going for itself either.

Five fumbles – three of them lost – and an interception derailed any momentum the Yellow Jackets tried to establish.

The offense managed only 66 yards rushing in the first half with three first downs and three turnovers.

“You can’t turn the ball over against a good team. That’s something we have to work on,” said Bessemer City coach Larry Boone. “It’s something we can fix and we will fix it.”

The Yellow Jackets finished with 202 yards of total offense, all on the ground, and ten first downs.

Junior fullback Taquez Lane, who rushed for 54 yards, prevented with the shutout with a one-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

Junior fullback Cedric Mackey led the team in rushing with 78 yards on 12 carries, all in the second half.

Junior quarterback Tyler Bess added 63 yards on 13 attempts.

Bessemer City travels to Cherryville Friday. North Gaston hosts East Rutherford.